Dominican student at Brandeis University in the United States, Giselle Gabriel, has been selected to deliver the graduate address at the school’s 74th Commencement exercises slated for May 18, 2025.
The school’s news website reported that Gabriel, who studied for a Master’s of Arts in Sustainable International Development at the Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis, never expected to be selected for the role which she expects to assist her to overcome another challenge before graduation: public speaking.
“I never imagined I’d make it far in the selection process,” she was quoted as saying, after she was nominated by a friend to submit a speech. “But this experience showed me the power of stepping outside my comfort zone.”
Gabriel was the first Caribbean student to receive the Arthur and Belle Lind Endowed Fellowship, created by Sonja Lind and Bernard Lind ’63, for undergraduate and graduate students from Africa and the Caribbean.
According to the website, her early days at the Brandeis were filled with anxiety since she was living in the US for the first time and living away from her family and friends.
“I initially panicked and even thought about packing my bags and returning home,” she stated.
However, she found true community at the Heller School, and with peers, mentors, and Stephen Cohen, a former student of Brandeis, she was able to stand.
“I may have arrived at Brandeis — and in this country — on my own, but I am certainly not leaving that way,” she said. “Today, I have family all around the world. The community at Heller, especially my peers, truly supported me. Even in my moments of doubt, they were there to lift me up.”
The site reported that in her Commencement address, Gabriel will reflect on her journey from uncertainty to strength: How she has embraced the unknown and found resilience through community, mentorship, and faith. Her speech will honor the transformative spirit of Brandeis and, she hopes, inspire graduates to lead with courage and compassion.
The news site also stated that Gabriel hopes to return to Dominica after graduation, where she can assist in driving social and economic development in the government by shaping policies that will create new paths for vulnerable communities.
“There are so many people struggling,” she remarked. “I believe that if we support individuals in developing a skill through vocational education, we are not just helping them for today — we are empowering them to build a sustainable future for themselves and their communities.”
On her Linkedin page, Gabriel describes herself as an Adult Education Officer at the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training, with “over four years of experience in developing human resources through community, non-formal education.”
Brandeis is a private medium-sized, top-tier research university located in Massachusetts in the United States.